Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a rich, creamy, and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan, all simmered with orzo in a luscious sauce. This easy recipe delivers indulgent comfort and gourmet flavor in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 650 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 170 g sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp paprika
- 250 g orzo
- 650 ml hot chicken stock
- 150 ml double cream
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 120 g fresh spinach
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or cayenne for spice
- Mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or kale for variety
- Plant-based chicken, vegetable broth, or dairy-free cream for dietary preferences
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped chicken and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir and cook for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
- Add orzo, hot chicken stock, and a pinch of pepper. Stir well, then cover with a lid.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce heat to low, then add spinach and cream. Stir for 1–3 minutes until spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
- Check the chicken is cooked through, then remove from heat and stir in Parmesan.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking or overcooking.
- To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free orzo and chicken stock.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream and Parmesan with vegan alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 515
- Sugar: 5.8 g
- Sodium: 635 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2.9 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg